Hilario Cuadros

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song 'Hilario Cuadros' is a heartfelt tribute to the late Argentine folk singer Hilario Cuadros. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of loss and mourning for a fellow musician whose life and work left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. The opening lines, 'Se ha cortado el bordón de tu guitarra / Cuando la paz del alma florecía,' metaphorically describe the sudden end of Cuadros' life, likening it to a broken guitar string just as peace was blooming in his soul. This imagery poignantly captures the abruptness and tragedy of his passing.

The song continues to evoke the sorrow felt by the community, particularly in the lines 'Sombras de Guaymallén anochecidas / En las acequias su dolor sollozan.' Here, Yupanqui paints a picture of the night shadows in Guaymallén, a region in Mendoza, weeping in the irrigation ditches, symbolizing the collective grief of the people. The mention of criollos (native-born Argentines of European descent) further roots the song in the cultural and social fabric of Mendoza, highlighting Cuadros' significance to his homeland.

Yupanqui also emphasizes Cuadros' connection to the land and its people, stating, 'Le dictaba la patria cada verso / Con la palabra simple del labriego.' This suggests that Cuadros' songs were inspired by the country itself, using the simple yet profound language of the common folk. The song concludes with a poignant farewell, 'Adiós Hilario Cuadros compañero / De guitarra y tonada y Luna llena,' expressing both the personal and communal loss felt by those who shared his musical journey. Yupanqui's tribute not only honors Cuadros' legacy but also underscores the enduring power of music to unite and console in times of sorrow.